Barbara Grant In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Grant At sunrise on November 19, 2024, our beloved matriarch, Barbara Ann Grant, peacefully passed away with the love of her life, Alfred, by her side as he has been for the past 70 years and 9 months. Her family also gathered to be with her in her final days. Barbara was a woman of extraordinary strength, determination, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She was a true example of generosity, always putting others' needs before her own and dedicating herself to nurturing the bonds of family and friends near and far. For over 50 years, her annual Christmas parties became a cherished tradition, and most family gatherings, from baby showers to birthday parties, were held at her home. Born on Tuesday, August 4, 1936 in Morrilton, Arkansas, Barbara was the daughter of James (Jack) and Hester Bostian. She grew up in Morrilton with her four brothers and one sister-Harold (Sonny), Susie, Larry, and Danny-before the family relocated to Taos, New Mexico, in 1950, where her youngest sibling, Kathi, was born. In 1954, Barbara graduated from Taos High School, where she excelled as a top scholar. She played the clarinet in the school band, served as Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, was a leader in the student council, stayed actively involved in Future Business Leaders of America, and volunteered at Holy Cross Hospital. Her leadership and dedication were recognized by her peers, who voted her "Most Dependable." Barbara organized lively class reunions right up until 2019. It was during high school that Barbara met the love of her life, Alfred Guadalupe Grant. They were married in 1954 in Portland, Oregon, and began their family. The couple moved to Roswell, New Mexico, in 1956, where Barbara worked nights for Mountain Bell while raising their children during the day. In 1963, they moved to Albuquerque, where Barbara's dependability led her to a job as a Secretary for Hospital Administration and later, discharge planner, at Anna Kaseman Hospital. Her next move was to Douglas Construction, where she learned skills that helped her support Alfred in his business of 28 years, Grant and Associates. Barbara's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she opened two Hallmark stores in the early '80s, including Sunny's Hallmark, a beloved Gold Crown store known for its angels and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. After 24 successful years and close friendships with many employees and customers, she closed the business. In the mid '90s, she launched Classy Lady, a clothing store specializing in plus-size fashion. After retirement in 2006, Barbara and Alfred adventured to distant lands as well as her favorite camping spots, traveling the world by plane, train, ship and motorhome. A road trip wasn't complete for Barbara until the motorhome was overflowing with Christmas presents she had lovingly picked out during their travels. They loved traveling with family and friends and even took the entire family on a cruise to celebrate their 50th Anniversary, where they renewed their vows at sea. Barbara and Alfred called Corrales home beginning in 2000, but they also bought a home in Ruidoso, NM after retirement, where they spent many happy days on the back deck and hosted a family get together every August. In 2020 they completed a dream home there that Alfred designed by hand and Barbara lovingly furnished. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 70 years, Alfred Guadalupe Grant; her sister Kathi Bostian; daughters Debbie (Jerry) Wilson, Cynthia Sefton, Susan (Steven) Brainard, and Michael (Suphawadee) Grant; grandchildren Melanie (Eli) Ludwig, Melissa (Vince) Chavez, Sonny Sefton, Amanda (Steve) Baker, Megan Covnot, Whitney Wilson, Heather Wilson, Gavin (Jessica) Grant, and Simon Grant; great-grandchildren Evan, Dominik, and Lillian Chavez, Brighton and Beckham Ludwig, Hunter and Savana Baker, Jayden Sefton, and Atlas Moore; great-great-grandchild Adalyne Chavez; and her beloved friends, the "Golden Girls": Betty Elder, Lolly Owens, and Peggy Roach. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Hester Bostian; brothers Harold (Sonny), Larry, and Danny; sister Susie Stover; son-in-law Jay Sefton; and her dear friend and Golden Girl, Jean Lewis. Barbara wished to be remembered for being a good mother, wife and friend. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 14, 2024, at 12:00PM at French Funerals, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, with a reception to follow at the Grant family home in Corrales. A burial of her cremains will take place at 1:00PM on December 17, 2024, at Sandia Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Barbara's memory to the Albuquerque Toys for Tots chapter. For more information, please visit Barbara's full obituary and service details in our online guest book at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
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